Temperatures And Rebates Heat Up HVAC Business

None - The summer heat wave in Metro Atlanta has led to a surge in air conditioner replacements, according to local business owners.

The stretch of 90 degree days had local technicians working nonstop, according to Channel 2 consumer investigator Jim Strickland. "Installs for us are up about 40 percent over prior year," said Coolray Heating and Air president Ken Haines.

"So far, this summer here has been the warmest of all of 'em yet, and it takes a toll on you," said 17-year-veteran technician Gerald Livingston, as sweat dripped from his nose. Livingston was busy in a Marietta attic installing a new evaporator coil.

Economy Heating Up HVAC Repairs, Replacements

Haines told Strickland a slight turn around in the economy had homeowners confident enough to upgrade. We've hired about 50 new employees this year," he said.

Homeowner Vince Conner was replacing his old system and thanked new incentives.

He said "$4,500 worth of rebates, $1,000 from Trane, $1,000 from Coolray, $1,500 from the government, $800 from AGL, and about $298 from the state."

All that free money sliced 30 percent off the price of the system, according to Connor. The AGL and Trane rebates expire June 30.